I can imagine nothing worse than experiencing the death of one’s child. The singular grief is what Somali-Canadian director K’naan Warsame explores in Mother Mother. It is the story of Qalifo (Maan Youssouf Ahmed), a widow living in Somalia who loses her only child when a love triangle gets out of hand.
When we meet Qalifo, she and her young adult son Asad are raising camels on their land. However, Asad dreams of a different life, where he and his girlfriend open a restaurant in town. However, when Asad’s love interest meets an American college student who is in Somalia visiting family, Asad’s dreams are dashed. Heartbroken, Asad goes to confront the young American, a fight ensues, and Asad sustains a fatal stab wound.
When the tribe’s elders learn of Asad’s death, they give Qalifo three choices for retribution, money, land, or ordering the boy’s death. The pensive Qalifo instead decides to have the boy, who goes by Liban, sentenced to live on her land, as her son. What ensues is a unique story of anger and healing. While one initially wonders if the idea to adopt Liban is a revenge plot, Qalifo’s anger gradually evolves into affection, and even a degree of forgiveness.
Ultimately, Mother Mother excels creates a realistic depiction of the myriad emotions grief inspires. Of course, Ahmed’s powerhouse performance as the aggrieved yet dignified Qalifo is the pillar of the film. Her eyes alone do more acting than most performers can do with their entire bodies. If you are in the market for a story of grief and catharsis, Mother Mother is an excellent choice.
- Genre: Drama
- Release Date: 9/13/2024
- Directed by: K'naan Warsame
- Starring: Elmi Rashid Elmi, Hassan Najib, Maan Youssouf Ahmed
- Written by: K’Naan Warsame
